This is OUR REGULARLY UPDATED LIST OF EVENTS FOR TAORMINA AND SURROUNDINGS Although we always double-check our different information sources, we cannot guarantee for all informations on the events listed.

If you need more detailed information about events in and around Taormina stay in touch or email us: info@hotelvillaschuler.com ____________________________________________________________________________

MARCH 2015

EXHIBITIONS

March 21 to June 7Palazzo Corvaja – TaorminaMade in Warhol. 60 works of the American Pop artist from the collection Rosini-Gutman, among others the famous Campbell’s Soup, Brillo, Marilyn Monroe, Mao, Liz Taylor and the rare canvas showing Liza Minelli. Posters of his films, album covers – including those of the Rolling Stones, Velvet Underground and Graces Jones – some clothes designed by Andy Warhol and a video self-portrait.Opening hours: every day except Mondays: 10.30h – 13.00h and 16.30h – 21.00hInfo: www.taormina-arte.com

Every Saturday (8.00 to 13.00 h)Rione Recanati - Giardini Naxos Mercato settimanale. Weekly market. More than 1,5 km of market stands with all types of cloths, shoes, underwear, costume jewelry, house keeping and cooking devices and some few with fruits, vegetables and cheeses and salamis.

all yearChiesa San Antonio Abate – TaorminaPresepe a Taormina. The crib made from cork oak by Don Dioniso Cacopardo in 1953.

EVENTS

March 4 (17.00 h)Teatro Metropolitan - CataniaLodovicaComello the actress, singer and dancer, best known for her role as "Francesca" in the Argentine Disney Channel series Violetta.Info: www.lodovicacomello.com

March 7 (17.30 h)Casa Cuseni – Via Leonardo da Vinci 14, TaorminaMeet Jazz. Introduction to the music of Duke Elington by the Jazz musician Nello Toscano. To those who are interested in the historic location of the Jazz meeting, the owners offer a guided tour to the house and it’s gardens, all designed by the english artist Robert Hawthorn Kitson betewwn 1905 and 1907. The guided tour starts from 16.30h.Info: www.casacuseni.com

March 14 (17.30 h)Casa Cuseni – Via Leonardo da Vinci 14, TaorminaMeet Jazz. Introduction to the music of Thelonious Monk by the Jazz musician Nello Toscano. To those who are interested in the historic location of the Jazz meeting, the owners offer a guided tour to the house and it’s gardens, all designed by the english artist Robert Hawthorn Kitson betewwn 1905 and 1907. The guided tour starts from 16.30h.Info: www.casacuseni.com

March 17 and 18 (21.00 h)Teatro Metropolitan – CataniaCinecittà. Musical on the famous film town „Cinecittà“, the italian Hollywood, with the actor, director and author Christian de Sica, written by Christian De Sica and Riccardo Cassini.Info: www.christiandesicaonline.com

March 20 (18.30 h)Palazzo Corvaja - TaorminaOpening of the exhibition Made in Warhol. 60 works of the American Pop artist from the collection Rosini-Gutman, among others famous works such as Campbell’s Soup, Brillo, Marilyn Monroe, Mao, Liz Taylor and the rare canvas showing Liza Minelli. The exhibitions runs until June 7, 2015. Opening hours: every day except Mondays: 10.30h – 13.00h and 16.30h – 21.00hInfo: www.taormina-arte.com

March 20 (16.15 and 19.00 h)Teatro Metropolitan – CataniaWinx Club Musical Show. The is show based on the animated series Winx Club, which features the fairy Bloom and her five best friends, Stella, Musa, Tecna, Flora, Aisha who call themselves the "Winx Club" and go on many adventures together mainly in the magical universe and on Earth.Info: www.winxlospettacolo.com

March 20 (21.15 h)Theatre San Giorgio - TaorminaItalian Opera Taormina. Extra performance in anticipation of the new season (beginning in April) with the most famous arias and duets from the operas Rigoletto, La Traviata (Verdi), La Bohème (Puccini), The Marriage of Figaro, The Barber of Seville (Mozart), Elisir d'Amore (Donizetti) and Norma (Bellini). Interpreted by professional singers who have performed in the most important Italian and international theatres. During the short break you will be offered a drink on the panoramic terrace of the small Theatre San Giorgio. Regularly every Saturday starting in April. From May onwards several times a week with various programs.Info: www.italianoperataormina.it

March 21 (21.00 h)Teatro Metropolitan - CataniaKataklo the athletic dance theatre. The dance company was founded at Milan in 1995 by Giulia Staccioli. Recognised and appreciated beyond national borders for its shows displaying an incredible physical proficiency and sophisticated inventiveness.Info: www.kataklo.com

March 21 (22.00 h)Ma – Via Vela 6-10, CataniaTinturia, the band from Raffadali (Agrigento, Sicily) in concert. Tinturia are known for their fusion style, which they call themselves “sbrong”, a mix of pop, rock, folk, ska, rap, funk and reaggae.

March 28 (21.30 h)Teatro ABC - Via Pietro Mascagni 92, CataniaFabrizio Moro, the singer songwriter born in Rome by calabrian parents, who became famous by his song “Pensa”, which is dedicated to the victims of the mafia, performed at the Sanremo Festival in 2007.Info: www.fabriziomoro.net/

during April: every Saturday (21.15 h)Theatre San Giorgio - TaorminaItalian Opera Taormina. An evening with the most famous arias and duets from great operas such as Don Giovanni by W. A. Mozart, La Traviata by G. Verdi, Elisir D’Amor by G. Donizetti, Il barbiere di Siviglia by G. Rossini and Madame Butterfly, La Boheme and Tosca by G. Puccini, interpreted by professional singers who have performed in the most important Italian and international theatres. During the short break you will be offered a drink on the panoramic terrace of the small Theatre San Giorgio. Every Saturday of April. From May onwards several times a week with various programs.Info: www.italianoperataormina.it

April 1 (21.30 h)Teatro Metropolitan – CataniaBrunori S.R.L. Una Società a Responsibilità Limitata. The singer songwriter Dario Brunori with new songs and monologues on the transformation of a society. A mix of cabaret, concert and theatre performance.Info: www.brunorisas.it

EASTER EVENTS IN TAORMINA AND SICILY

April 3 (at dawn)Centro storico - TaorminaGood Friday Procession in Taormina. A most impressive procession, that takes its way through Taorminas Corso Umberto I. Men and women in black carry the sculptures showing the passion of Christ. All shop's lighting and all street illuminatiion on the Corso Umberto will be switched off, as soon as the procession is arriving. Only the candles of the procession give some low light. When it is passed by, the shopkeepers on Corso Umberto continue with their business and switch on the lights again.

April 3 to 6Town center - PalermoEaster celebrations in Palermo take place all over town and feature impressive street processions and re-enactments of the Last Supper. There are three splendid processions on Good Friday, dating back several centuries. The procession of the Cocchieri used to be seen by the local aristocrats as an opportunity to show off their power and wealth. Thirty-two participants take turns in carrying the statues of Christ and Madonna, escorted by people wearing original medieval armour. The procession departs from the Chiesa della Madonna dell'Itria at around 14.00 h, though it is advisable to check the time with the tourist office a few days in advance. The other processions dedicated to Maria Addolorata and Santa Maria Soledad are similar, finishing late at night. The times and places of departure can again be checked with the local tourist office. Easter Sunday celebrations feature the re-enactment of the Last Supper at major churches throughout the city.Info: www.aapit.pa.it

April 3 (14.00 h)Centro storico - TrapaniProcessione dei Misteri Good Friday procession, one of the longest lasting and oldest in Italy. Beginning at about 14 h in the afternoon it lasts for nearly 24 hours. Reinactment of the passion and the dead of Jesus Christ.Info: www.comune.trapani.it

April 3 (15.00 h + 20.30 h)Centro - Pietraperzia (EN)Processione de Lu Signuri di li fasci. The preparing of the Good Friday Evening procession already beginns at 15 h with the crucifix to be carried from the Chiesa del Carmine to the cathedral and back. A very special rite: as a sign of their faith more than 400 believers tie themselves to a high pylon with ribbons, that will be carried along the streets of the city during the procession.Info: www.comune.pietraperzia.en.it

April 4 and 5Centro - Terrasini (PA)Festa di li Schietti Folcloristic feast on Easter Saturday and Sunday. A feast that has nothing to do with the religious rites in these days. La Festa di li Schietti is a competition of bachelors, who still are hoping to get a wife by showing their maleness and strength. The competition asks to lift a bitter orange tree of about 50 kg as long as possible. The two days of competition are accompanied by tastings of local food, processions and musics.Info: www.comune.terrasini.pa.it

April 5Adrano (CT)I Diavulazzi di Pasqua or La Diavolata. In the morning the statues of Christ, of the Madonna and of the Angel will be brought to the Piazza Umberto where the Diavolata, the struggle between the evil and the good takes place, ending up with the victory of peace. This tradition goes back to a text called La Resurrezione written by Don Anselmo Laudani in 1752.Info: www.comune.adrano.ct-egov.it

April 5Gangi (PA)Easter celebrations in Gangi involve various rituals and processions throughout the Holy Week, though the most interesting event happens on Easter Sunday, when an unusual rivalry between saints takes place. Devotees of the Madonna compete against those who venerate Jesus. The peaceful competition consists of creating the best decorations in the streets in the centre of town, near the cathedral. They assume the shape of arches, bizarrely constructed of bread, vegetables and other foodstuff.Info: www.aapit.pa.it

April 6Forza D'Agrò (ME)Traditional "Festa dell'Alloro" and the Procession of the "Sacri Oli". The young people of the village create banners made from laurel leaves in honour of the SS. Trinità. After the awarding of the most beautiful example all banners will be carried in a procession alongside the Via SS. Annunziata to the Chiesa della Triade. On this "Monday of the Angels" the people of the village present to everyone the "collure", tipical sicilian easter sweets (in memory to Abraham in the desert and the three angels).Info: www.comune.forzadagro.me.it

April 6 (18.00 h)Mercati Generali – CataniaModena City Ramblers. Folk rock band founded in Modena in 1991, heavily influenced by Celtic themes. Their lyrics often speak out against the Mafia and fascism.Info: www.ramblers.it

May 15 (18.45 h)Teatro Greco – SiracusaThe Supplients by Aeschylos. Classical Theatre Performances at the archaeological site. “The Suppliants” is one of the last plays Aeschylus wrote, dealing about the Danaids (which also form the chorus), who flee a forced marriage to their Egyptian cousins. More performances: May 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30 (18.45 h) and in June.Info: www.indafondazione.org/

May 16 (18.45 h)Teatro Greco – SiracusaIfigenia in Aulis by Euripides. Classical Theatre Performances at the archaeological site. Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek coalition during the Trojan War, decides to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis and allow his troops to set sail in battle against Troy, this causes a conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles over the fate of the young woman. More performances: May 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 (18.45 h) and in June.Info: www.indafondazione.org/

May 17 (18.45 h)Teatro Greco – SiracusaMedea by Seneca (based on the homonymous tragedy by Euripides). Classical Theatre Performances at the archaeological site. One of the most irritation female characters in theatre history: Medea, the magic woman, who kills her own brother for her passionate love to Jason and then - deeply heartstricken by Jason’s betrayal and for reasons of revenge - her own children. More performances: May 20, 23, 26 and 29 (18.45 h) and in June.Info: www.indafondazione.org/

May 21 (21.00 h)Palasport – AcirealeRomeo e Giulietta. Ama e cambia il mondo. Romeo and Juliet. Love and change the world. Musical based on the tragedy written by William Shakespeare about two young lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. More performances: May 22 (21.00 h), 23 (16.00 and 21.00 h) and 24 (16.00 h)Info: www.romeoegiulietta.it/

May 25 (21.30 h)Teatro Metropolitan - CataniaMario Biondi the singer from Catania with the deep and warm voice in concert.Info: www.mariobiondi.com

JUNE 2015

June 1 (19.00 h)Teatro Greco – SiracusaMedea by Seneca (based on the homonymous tragedy by Euripides). Classical Theatre Performances at the archaeological site. One of the most irritation female characters in theatre history: Medea, the magic woman, who kills her own brother for her passionate love to Jason and then - deeply heartstricken by Jason’s betrayal and for reasons of revenge - her own children. More performances: June 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25 and 28 (19.00 h)Info: www.indafondazione.org/

June 2 (19.00 h)Teatro Greco – SiracusaThe Supplients by Aeschylos. Classical Theatre Performances at the archaeological site. “The Suppliants” is one of the last plays Aeschylus wrote, dealing about the Danaids (which also form the chorus), who flee a forced marriage to their Egyptian cousins. More performances: June 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23 and 26 (19.00 h)Info: www.indafondazione.org/

June 3 (19.00 h)Teatro Greco – SiracusaIfigenia in Aulis by Euripides. Classical Theatre Performances at the archaeological site. Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek coalition during the Troyan War, decides to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis and allow his troops to set sail in battle against Troy, this causes a conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles over the fate of the young woman. More performances: June 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27 (19.00 h)Info: www.indafondazione.org/

June 12 to 20 Teatro Antico and Palazzo Congressi - TaorminaTaormina Film Fest 61st edition of the popular film fest that brings the stars of international cinema to Taormina. More infos shortly. Info: www.taorminafilmfest.it

JULY 2015

July 4 (20.30 h)Teatro Greco - SiracusaNorma, Opera by Vincenzo Bellini. The opera is regarded as a leading example of the bel canto genre and the aria “Casta diva” in act 1, is one of the most famous of the nineteenth century. Opera directed by Enrico Castiglione. More performances: July 10, 18 and 25 (20.30 h)

July 15 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico - TaorminaCARMEN opera by Georges Bizet. The opera tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery Gypsy, Carmen. José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen's love to the glamorous toreador Escamillo, after which José kills her in a jealous rage. Directed by Enrico Castiglione, costumes by Sonia Cammarata.Info: www.taormina-arte.com

July 19 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico – TaorminaToto in concert. Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of the Californian band Toto. As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums. With over 38 years together and thousands of credits to their names, Toto remains one of the top selling tour and recording acts in the world.Info: www.totoofficial.com

August 1, 9 and 12 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico - TaorminaDON GIOVANNI opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Opera in two acts with Italian libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte. It is based on the legends of Don Juan, a fictional libertine and seducer. Don Giovanni, a young, arrogant, and sexually promiscuous nobleman, abuses and outrages everyone else in the cast, until he encounters something he cannot kill, beat up, dodge, or outwit. Directed by Enrico Castiglione, costumes by Sonia Cammarata. Info: www.enricocastiglione.it and www.festivaleuromediterraneo.euTickets: boxol.it and ticketone.it

August 4, 7, 10 and 13 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico - TaorminaCARMEN opera by Georges Bizet. The opera tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery Gypsy, Carmen. José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen's love to the glamorous toreador Escamillo, after which José kills her in a jealous rage. Directed by Enrico Castiglione, costumes by Sonia Cammarata.Info: www.enricocastiglione.it and www.festivaleuromediterraneo.euTickets: boxol.it and ticketone.it

August 8, 11 and 14 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico - TaorminaIL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA (The Barber of Seville) by Gioachino Rossini. The libretto was based on Pierre Beaumarchais’s comedy Le Barbier de Séville. Rossini's Barber has proven to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music, and has been described as the opera buffa of all "opere buffe". Directed by Enrico Castiglione, costumes by Sonia Cammarata.Info: www.enricocastiglione.it and www.festivaleuromediterraneo.euTickets: boxol.it and ticketone.it

August 16 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico - TaorminaTaormina Opera Stars Festival. NABUCCO Opera by Giuseppe Verdi. The Opera follows the plight of the Jews as they are assaulted, conquered, and subsequently exiled from their homeland by the Babylonian King Nabucco (Nebuchadnezzar II.) The historical events are used as background for a romantic and political plot. The best-known number from the opera is the "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,”Va pensiero, sull’ali dorate"/"Fly, thought, on golden wings," a chorus which is regularly given an encore in many opera houses when performed today. Artistic director of the festival: Enrico Stinchelli.Info: taorminaoperastars.it

August 17Teatro Antico - TaorminaTaormina Opera Stars Festival. L'Italia inCanta. Gala dedicated to the most beautiful and popular classical Italian songs, performed by the Taormina Opera Stars Orchestra and Choir and the a selection of solists, from neapolitan songs like "O sole mio", "Core 'ngrato" and "Dicitencello vuje" to famous Opera arias and choral pieces.Info: taorminaoperastars.it

August 18 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico – TaorminaTaormina Opera Stars Festival. La Traviata Opera by Giuseppe Verdi, based on the plot of the novel La dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, son. The story of a courtisan, her love with a young bourgeois, against all social conventions, an her tragic death of tuberculosis. One of the world-wide most popular operasInfo: taorminaoperastars.it

August 19 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico – TaorminaTaormina Opera Stars Festival. The rite of rock. A musical trip starting from the beginning of the 20th century music by Igor Stravinsky and ending up with heavy metal. With the virtuous cellist Giovanni Sollima, Monika Leskovar (violoncello), Giuseppe Andaloro (pianoforte), and Giuseppe Gullotta (pianoforte). Artistic director of the festival: Enrico Stinchelli.Info: taorminaoperastars.it

August 20 (21.30 h)Teatro Antico –TaorminaTaormina Opera Stars Festival. Aida, Opera by Giuseppe Verdi. The opera was a commissioned work, primarily written for the opening of the Royal Opera House in Kairo and first performed in December 1871. The plot tells the love story of Ramadès, Captain of the Pharao’s gards, to Aida, an ethiopean princess, captured as a slave. To complicate the story further, the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris is in love with Radamès, although he does not return her feelings. Artistic director of the festival: Enrico Stinchelli.Info: taorminaoperastars.it

September 11 to 13Teatro Antico and other locations – TaorminaFestival Internazionale delle Orchestre a Plettro. 4th edition of the International Festival of plugged string orchestras.Info: www.orchestraaplettro.it

September 19 to 25Teatro Antico and other locations - TaorminaTAOBUK Festival. 5th edition of the Taormina Book Festival. Readings, discussions with mostly Italian writers.Info: www.taobuk.it/

September 27 (21.00 h)Teatro Antico – TaorminaStabat Mater. Many composers worked on the Gregorian melody of the Stabat Mater, such as Pergolesi, Rossini, Dvorak and Verdi. Artistic director Alberto Veronesi.Tickets: www.ticketone.it

more events 2015 shortly Last updated: March 20, 2015

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If you need updated or more detailed information about events in and around Taormina stay in touch or email us: info@hotelvillaschuler.com